The Reader Beat: City Council Notes from October 7, 2026

Two ordinances appropriating the combined amount of $4 million to cover expense from the severe weather event on Sept. 3 passed unanimously.

I attended the City Council meeting on Oct. 7 at 9 a.m. There were no public comments, and the council went into executive session to discuss personnel until 9:43 a.m. 

The council addressed the following ordinances and resolutions: 

• An ordinance appropriating $1 million from the Refuse Fund to cover unexpected expenses related to the severe weather event passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance appropriating $3 million from the General Fund to cover unexpected expenses related to the severe weather event passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance appropriating $50,000 from a William Penn Foundation contribution for the City of Erie's 2030 U.S. The Census Planning and Engagement Project passed unanimously. 
• An ordinance amending and supplementing the Codified Ordinances of the City of Erie, namely Rooming House Licensing, to add, amend and/or update the language regarding annual fees and/or late fees had its first reading.
• An ordinance appropriating $176,397 for Immobilization and Towing Vehicles through a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acting through the Department of Community and Economic Development had its first reading.
• An ordinance appropriating $52,080.35 to provide for purchases of LED lighting upgrades had its first reading.
• An ordinance amending and supplementing the Codified Ordinances of the City of Erie, namely, Child-Care Facilities Licensing, to add, amend and/or update the language regarding annual fees and/or late fees had its first reading. 
• Seven resolutions to approve repository sales to CJ Ferrari LLC 375 East Starr Ave., No. 372, Las Vegas, Nevada, all failed unanimously.